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Several years ago, I went through a phase where I woke up at 4 am, no matter what time I went to bed. I had just moved after a difficult breakup and was wholly unsettled. My coworkers, who were such kind people that they published the Random Acts of Kindness books, probably noticed as I became more fatigued and bedraggled but said nothing. This went on for many weeks. Finally, I mentioned to my boss I was having  sleep disruptions and she said, “Oh, 4 am; the hour of anxiety.” She had experienced the same which, in her case,  was due to hypervigilence where she could not “shut down” and going over her to-list in her mind, etc  A brilliant Buddhist, she noted her spiritual practice was her path to restored health and deep rest. In this instance, I knew my path could do the same for me. And it has. I pondered the wisdom of my Aunt Edie and the hedge witches of yore and realized I had gotten away from my roots. I was a farm girl yet I was spending zero time outdoors. I started going for daily walks in Golden Gate Park, unpacked my witchy tools, oil and teas and got some herb post growing on the windowsills and stoop of my tiny new apartment dwelling, I  self-soothed with these simple steps. It was not overnight but, soon enough, I was sleeping through the night, awakening refreshed. Sleep itself is healing and these remedies will keep you rested and rosy!

 Respite Rite: A Good Night’s Sleep Herbs

Flower, herbs and Plants carry potent energy you can use to amplify your magical workings. Use the signs of the sun, moon and stars to your advantage and, over time, you will come to know which ones are most effective for you. Make sure to use your own astrological chart in working with these oils.  Here is a guide to the astrological associations to enhance spellwork.

 Aries, ruled by Mars: carnation, cedar, clove, cumin, fennel, juniper, peppermint and pine.

Herbs can be Used for More than Cooking

Many herbal enthusiasts swear by infusions. Here is a wonderfully simply method for brewing up an infusion. I recommend placing one cup of the dried herb into a quart canning jar and filling it with freshly boiled water. After the steeping for up to four hours, then, strain with a non-metallic method such as cheesecloth or bamboo. . Many of the favorite kitchen garden herbs contain minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals including the list herein. What do you need to attend in your life now? This list of herbs and associations can be your guide; one of the smartest ways to approach this methodology is to brew right before bedtime and you will awaken to a freshly infused herb. Some of the most popular herbs and fruits used to create infusions are as follows:

Anise Seeds & Leaves: soothes cramps and aches
Caraway Seeds:  aids in romantic issues, helps with colic
Catnip Leaves:  makes women even more attractive
Chamomile Flowers: helps with sleep, good for abundance

We are here in the heart of fall, nearing the holidays and that is the time our Scandinavian friends suggest we “get hygge,” which means to get as cozy as humanly possible.  This lovely lifestyle tradition from the frozen north is not just for lazing about, though we greatly appreciate that aspect; it is also a very healthy way of living with sauna sessions, lots of herbal food and drink but also community, which is an immunity booster on its own.  Tea is a mainstay if you want to be healthy and we feel sure wise women and hedge witches in Northern Europe were the first on the hygge bandwagon, So much of our knowledge about herbal teas and tinctures comes from them.  Herbal tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of echinacea and mint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

Call your soul tribe together when a loved one is ailing and needs a circle of support It can be at your home or any place that feels safe and secure. I highly recommend creating healing energy at the home of the person who is unwell, as it will create an aura of restoration. Ask each person to bring something to comfort, reassure, and cure the celebrant: soup, healthy snacks, a soothing eye pillow, sleep balm, a hand-knitted scarf for warmth, yummy body lotion with uplifting essential oils, herbal teas, books, or lavender-infused slippers are all wonderful gifts.

Form a circle of care around the celebrant and light candles. Unscented soy candles are probably best for health reasons. As you go around the circle, ask each person to give his or her gift of caring to the celebrant and say what it represents. Here is an example from a recent rite:

After a week like we all just experienced, boost your mood and immune system with herbs.  Nettle (Urtica dioica) Nettle has been used as a healer for untold centuries and relieves allergies, is an immune booster and can even help with a distended prostate. It is also a superfood and beloved for the nutrients. If you are working with fresh nettles, wear gloves to avoid the stinging. Cooking or drying removes any irritant. Any herb or health food store will have dried nettle or capsule form. Make nettle tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of leaves for ten minutes or take the capsules in recommended doses of 300 to 500 mg twice a day. Nettles are a hedgewitch's favorite and you'll soon see why. Take good care of yourself!